Between many of the levels there are short cinematics featuring the main hero characters advancing the story and setting the scene for the upcoming missions. This will be one aspect of the game that kids will really enjoy. The scenes are pretty short, never really going any longer than one minute, but they're genuinely funny and the characters are well-acted and well-written. Plus, all of the movies are available to watch from the main menu, which gives it some extra value to kids who just want to watch those movies again once the game is over.

Often, when these scenes end, it will transition into a quick-time event where players have to match their button presses with on-screen prompts that translate to events happening in the scene. For instance, the player might have to rapidly press a button to charge up The Hulk's throw so he can hurl Wolverine at a nearby airship. Then the event continues with Wolverine landing on the object and climbing up with the aid of the player.

The audio in these scenes is usually good, with voice actors handling their characters well and providing an amount of comedic tone and enthusiasm that you don't usually see in licensed games. However, the sound effects in the game could have been better. Much of the in-game sound lacks impact and feeling. When a giant truck explodes because The Hulk just smashed it with his big green fists, the result should be awe-inspiring, but due to some lackluster sound, the effect is rather forgettable.

Marvel Super Hero Squad is a capable, though simple and unoriginal, beat 'em up. Hardcore gamers won't find anything new here at all, but younger players who are willing to overlook the game's simplicity will enjoy being able to defeat villains as their favorite Marvel super hero. There are better super hero games available, but in terms of youngster-friendly titles Marvel Super Hero Squad does a pretty good job of bringing the fun of the TV show and collectible game to the video game world.

By
Andrew Groen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.7

GraphicsThe characters of Marvel Super Hero Squad all look great and very distinct, although many of the environments are boring and uninspired.

2.5

ControlPulling off moves with the PSP analog nub can be a bit of a chore, but the controls are generally decent to work with. Not enough camera control is available, though.

2.7

Music
/ Sound FX / Voice ActingThe theme song to the kid's show is still as rockin' as ever, and the voice acting is pretty good all around.

3.5

Play
ValueIt's not incredibly long or unique, but Marvel Super Hero Squad will give you your money's worth if you're OK with an average brawler with no new ideas. The individual battles give it some longevity, and the ability to watch the cutscenes individually is a nice touch.

3.2

Overall Rating -
FairNot an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Choose Your Epic Battles - Whether your squad is fighting through six extensive campaigns in adventure mode with up to two players, or involved in intense action with up to four players in battle mode, it will be a fight to the finish.

Attack and Defend with Signature Superhero Moves & Weapons - With great power comes great attack moves! Smash, bash, and zap your opponents! Create your own combos using the unique powers of each Marvel character.

Dynamic Environments - Watch out for seemingly ordinary elements of the environment because there's more than meets the eye!